What employees really want: Must-have benefits in 2025

Key takeaways

• Employees are increasingly prioritising work-life balance over salary. Flexible work schedules and remote work options are now essential to attract and retain top talent in 2025.
• Comprehensive employee wellness programmes that go beyond physical health to include mental health support and stress management are key drivers of employee satisfaction and engagement.
• Offering opportunities for growth, learning, and upskilling is essential for retaining employees. A strong focus on career advancement can significantly increase employee loyalty and productivity.
• Financial wellness programmes, including retirement planning, student loan assistance, and financial education, are becoming integral to the benefits packages employees expect.
• Regular recognition and benefits that align with employee’s values, such as volunteer time off or charitable donation matching, contribute to a more engaged and motivated workforce.

1. Work-life balance

Let's begin with a giant one. Work-life balance isn't a "nice-to-have" benefit—it's necessary. Employees need to have the freedom to manage their personal and working lives without thinking that one constantly has to yield to the other. In 2025, employees need increased flexibility, either in terms of flexible work timings, working remotely, or combining work arrangements to suit different people.

Companies that provide staff benefits, such as flexible working arrangements, are going to have a monumental advantage over companies that maintain the 9-to-5 mentality. This is not simply avoiding burnout; it's giving employees the autonomy to work around their schedule as best suits them. It's also trust—when staff perceive they have agency over their working hours, it increases morale and productivity.

Visualise an employee able to work at home on a Monday morning to attend a doctor's appointment, but then having the flexibility to complete missed work that night. It's a win-win: you get a happier, more productive employee, and they get the flexibility they need. 

You can read more about this on How to achieve the ideal work-life balance| Pluxee (Sodexo)

2. Health and wellness programmes

Those days are over when "employee wellness" meant a discount at the neighbourhood gym. Today, employees expect well-rounded health and wellness programmes that go beyond mere physical fitness. They expect mental health support, stress management, and a work environment that supports overall well-being.

Health is wealth, and workers are increasingly looking to firms that have programmes for health and wellness. Employee wellness programmes these days can range from free counseling services to mindfulness workshops company-wide. Providing employees with programmes for health and wellness that target mental, emotional, and physical health can be a game-changer when it comes to worker retention and satisfaction.

Besides, if you're working in countries such as India, where mental health topics are only beginning to pick up, it's crucial to bring in wellness initiatives that cater to both physical and mental well-being. By offering tools such as mental health days, online therapy sessions, or fitness challenges, you can establish a nurturing atmosphere where employees feel looked after in all ways. 

You can read about employee wellness programmes on Unpacking the Health and Wellness Pillars of Pluxee

3. Career growth opportunities

By 2025, workers don't merely want to get their work done—they want to develop. They want to advance in their careers, access training programmes, and have direct paths for promotion. Workers increasingly select companies with employee benefits that promote personal and professional development.

From mentorship initiatives to leadership development, firms must look towards providing learning opportunities that aid employees in developing their professional lives. You may grant access to online learning, sponsor certification, or even promote cross-functional collaboration. If employees believe that career development is given importance, they are likely to remain active, motivated, and committed to the firm.

In sectors such as employee benefits in India, the chance to learn on an ongoing basis is one of the main attractions for young professionals. Most employees are willing to upskill and move ahead in their careers, and organisations that offer access to global platforms or even subsidised conferences will always remain competitive. 

You can read more about this on Significance of Employee Training and Development | Pluxee (Sodexo)

4. Financial security

When it comes to job satisfaction, financial stability tops the list. But financial stability is more than a fair salary. Employees today desire benefits that provide them a sense of financial stability, present and absent.

That's where retirement planning, pension plans, and financial wellness programmes enter the picture. People are seeking employee benefits that will assist them in planning for the future. Providing things such as retirement matching, investment guidance, and even student loan support can differentiate your company.

Second, financial wellness programmes that educate workers on how to budget, save, and invest can decrease tension and make workers feel more secure. Offering these benefits is particularly critical in developing economies such as India, where employees tend to ignore financial planning.

5. Employee recognition

Recognition has emerged as a key driver of employee engagement. In 2025, employees don't just want a pat on the back—they want to be recognised for their contributions in ways that matter. Whether it's through a shout-out across the company, a gift card, or a bonus, employees want to feel valued.

It's no surprise that individuals work more effectively when they feel appreciated. A robust recognition programme has the power to enhance morale, build a sense of community, and increase productivity. Recurring recognition, both peer-to-peer and from management, creates a culture in which workers perceive that their work is valued and honoured.

Firms that provide employee benefits to promote this type of culture, such as peer-to-peer recognition programmes or reward points plans, will experience not only greater retention but also greater employee engagement.

6. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

In 2025, a multicultural and diverse work environment isn't a nice-to-have—It's an absolute requirement. Workers are searching for businesses that place DEI as a central value, where everyone, from all walks of life, is welcomed, appreciated, and embraced. This matters most in a globalised marketplace such as India, where employees are diverse and multicultural.

Employers can provide employee benefits programmes that reinforce diversity and inclusion, including underrepresented group mentorship programmes or affinity groups that offer a sense of belonging. Workers are increasingly looking for firms whose values are consistent with their own, and a commitment to DEI can help attract the best talent who are interested in these causes.

7. Generous time off

In 2025, time off is not only a luxury but a necessity. The greatest companies are providing flexible paid time off (PTO), sick leave, parental leave, and even sabbaticals. But it's not merely about providing time off—it's about developing a culture in which taking time to recharge is supported.

Staff need freedom to leave work for time off without feeling guilty, and they need benefits such as paid family leave, mental health days, or volunteering time off. In providing such kinds of benefits, employers can curtail burnout and bring their workers back refreshed and willing to perform optimally. 

8. Purpose-driven benefits

Lastly, employees today wish to work for companies that share their values and contribute positively to the world. Providing employee benefits that benefit social causes, e.g., volunteer time off (VTO) or matching charitable donations, provides opportunities for employees to give back and be of value to their communities.

Staff members who believe that they belong to a company with a high sense of purpose will be more inclined to remain active and committed to the organisation. Purpose-based benefits can attract best-in-class talent who are very concerned about social responsibility.

Final thoughts

As we head into 2025, employees seek more than just a paycheck—they want benefits supporting their well-being, growth, and values. To stay competitive, businesses need a forward-thinking benefits package. Pluxee offers over 20 new-age benefits, including mental health support, fitness programmes, financial planning, and lifestyle benefits. These tailored benefits help businesses attract and retain top talent by improving employee satisfaction, work-life balance, and personal development.

By offering personalised wellness programmes, learning opportunities, and flexible work options, Pluxee enables companies to create a supportive, engaging environment. This approach not only boosts employee morale but also promotes loyalty and productivity, driving long-term success for both individuals and organisations.

FAQs

What is Pluxee?

Pluxee is a revolutionary platform that enables businesses to design and administer flexible, employee-focused benefits packages.

How can Pluxee improve employee wellness programmes?

Pluxee provides personalised wellness solutions ​​Pluxee offers a variety of personalised wellness solutions designed to support both physical and mental well-being, helping to boost employee morale, engagement, and overall productivity.

Can Pluxee assist India-based companies with employee benefits?

Yes, Pluxee offers customised employee benefits in India to enable companies to address local requirements with scalable and flexible solutions.